The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is aiming to complete the acquisition of right of way and sites for 19 stations in the southern segment of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project by the first quarter of 2026.
DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right of Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) Irish “IC” Calaguas said the effort covers 895 lots and the relocation of 893 informal settler families. The relocations are being coordinated with the Socialized Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), with housing projects for the affected families already under construction.
The 19 stations identified for development include Blumentritt, España, Sta. Mesa, Paco, Taguig, Buendia, Edsa, Senate Station, Bicutan, FTI, Sucat, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, Pacita, Cabuyao, Calamba, and Banlic Depot.
To accelerate the process, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon has approved the hiring of 338 additional staff to support ROWSA’s work. The move reflects the department’s commitment to fast-tracking the NSCR project in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make railway transport more accessible to commuters.
Dizon earlier noted that the Clark-to-Malolos segment of the NSCR is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2028. Once fully operational, the 147-kilometer rail line will cut travel time from Clark to Calamba to just two hours.
